These degree programmes will educate potential paramedics to the appropriate clinical, professional and academic standards. They are evidence-based courses that combine diverse academic, interpersonal and physical skills to produce well-rounded practitioners. Courses are inter-disciplinary, with opportunities for specialisation, and will develop in you the knowledge, skills and competences that underpin practice across the paramedic science field.

Paramedics are highly skilled professionals who work in challenging, exciting and dynamic environments on the frontline of healthcare. They work principally in an emergency, out of hospital care setting with patients and their families. Programmes reflect this, with courses integrating theory and practise, subsequently students will have many occasions to put theory into practise through work placements. Degrees modules are also regularly updated to take into account rapid changes within the profession, from increasing medical technology to public awareness of healthcare issues.

The expert knowledge and skills you will learn on this course will ensure that patients receive the best possible care in any emergency and pre-hospital situations. Upon qualification you will be able to provide mobile healthcare to patients, by quickly implementing and evaluating their health care needs.

On completion of a degree course you will be eligible to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) as a paramedic. This is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 is on the HPC Register.

Paramedic science degree course overview

Programmes tend to be modular in approach and encompass the integration of theory, practice and research throughout. To ensure that you are competent both academically and professionally, a wide range of learning experiences, teaching and assessment methods will be used. Apart from standard lectures, teaching will also include; keynote lectures, group discussion and debate, student-led seminars, structured reflection, enquiry based learning, skills teaching and learning in practice.

On any practice placements you will be required to work early, evening, nights  and weekend shifts to ensure you gain a range of experience and meet the programme requirements. These practice placements can include both urban and rural settings, and during your time there you will be supported by clinical mentors or appropriately qualified personnel (who are there to turn to if you have any questions). Placements can be in a range of settings such as; emergency ambulances, operating theatres, emergency departments or medical assessment units. This experience will give you the chance to see patients on a daily basis and adapt to working within a real life hospital or medical environment.

The course content will be delivered using a student-centred approach, allowing them to develop their practical skills in safe, simulated teaching environments, where the teaching team will include paramedics, nurses, anaesthetists. Back up is provided through the provision of module leaders, personal tutors and link teachers, all of whom offer academic and pastoral support when required.

A variety of methods will be used to assess your knowledge and competence, including; tests, coursework assignments, case studies, assignments/essays /reports, multiple choice exams, presentations and clinical practice assessments.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Paramedic Science Degree 

  • Bioscience for Paramedics
  • Preparation for Paramedic Practice
  • Patient Assessment in Paramedic Practice
  • Paramedic Skills Development
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Sociology of health and illness
  • Health policy
  • Health promotion
  • Medical design and technology
  • Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
  • Developing Professional Practice
  • Acute Pre-hospital Care
  • Sociology of health and illness
  • Patient assessment and management
  • Clinical skills
  • Biosciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychology and communication

Students will learn about

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Illness and disease
  • Clinical assessment
  • Treatment therapies
  • Legal and ethical issues

Students will learn how to

  • Assess a patient’s condition and then give essential treatment.
  • Use high-tech equipment as well as administering oxygen and drugs.
  • Resuscitate and / or stabilise patients using sophisticated techniques, equipment and drugs.
  • Gather and analyse appropriate information.
  • Interpret medical signs and symptoms.
  • Provide critical care transportation.

Paramedic science personal statement

Below is a paramedic science personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Paramedic science personal statement example 

“Paramedics have a great deal of responsibility, which can be scary for some people. For me however it’s the exact opposite, I look at it as being an amazing career where I will be meeting real people and helping them in their time of need. To me there is nothing greater than helping to save lives, and it’s wonderful to know that I can make a difference.

Another reasons why I want to become a paramedic is that I will be part of a team for life, with people who will all have had similar life experiences and who will always be there for each other. My skills will always be in demand and my horizons will be unlimited.

In my opinion there’s more to being a paramedic than just blood and guts, its also about the compassion and caring that you show to patients, yes paramedics do save lives, but they should also make positive lasting impression on people they come into contact with.

I believe that I have the skills required to become a confident, autonomous paramedic working within the emergency environment. Mentally I am a strong and stable person who is quick thinking, decisive and able to provide immediate professional assistance to patients in all sorts of scenarios. I feel I can react well to stressful situations, and possess excellent interpersonal skills that will allow me to reassure people whilst dealing with difficult circumstances tactfully and diplomatically. Apart from being emotionally resilient, I am also physically fit and possess a serious interest in the care and well-being of patients.

I regularly read related medical journals, as this helps me to keep up to date with the professional issues that surround paramedic practice and the research based theories that underpin paramedic practice.

To gain more experience of this field I currently work as a volunteer for St Johns Ambulance. Whilst on duty I use my advanced first aid skills to treat people with injuries. On some occasions my team would be the first person on the scene of an accident dealing with unconscious patients, or those who are not breathing or bleeding heavily. I have received advanced training from them and have the certificates to prove it. Their training facilities were superb, and included specialised manikins, which could be programmed to simulate numerous conditions. These provided me with provide real-time clinical scenarios where I had to find pulses, blood pressure and respiratory sounds, etc.

After visiting many campuses, researching and talking to quite a few learned people, I have come to the conclusion that your university is ideal for me and my ambitions. I feel that your combination of classroom study and work-based practice is just right, as it allows a student to apply new knowledge and practise new skills on the road as they progress through the course. It is perfect for me because I will get to be placed with working paramedics who will guide me on fundamental points, such as how not to panic in emergency situations. Your course also offers a comprehensive range of support services in addition to the teaching programme.”

 

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